Local Guide
5 recommended sightseeing spots in Shinsekai area, Osaka that you should not miss.

Shinsekai area is one of the busiest shopping areas in Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, where you can enjoy the downtown atmosphere. The area is full of attractions such as "Tsutenkaku Tower," known as a landmark of Osaka, "Janjan Yokocho," where about 50 stores including kushikatsu restaurants line a 130-meter stretch from north to south, and "Tennoji Zoo," which has a history of more than 100 years. From classic to hidden gems, here are some of the best spots for tourists.

View the city from the observatory, where Osaka's uniqueness shines through.

The
The "Golden Observatory," designed in the motif of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's golden tea house

The 108-meter tall landmark tower in Osaka, designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, was built in 1912 (Meiji 45), but the first tower was destroyed by fire, and the current second tower was built in 1956 (Showa 31), designed by Naito Tanaka, who also designed the Tokyo Tower, among others. There are a total of four observation decks in the Property, the most recommended of which is the "Golden Observatory" on the 5th floor, where you can meet the charming Billiken-san. After looking out over the city of Osaka, gently stroke the soles of Billiken's feet and wish him good luck.

Look out for the newest attractions that are sure to excite and scream!

Dive & Walk
Dive & Walk" was born in July 2024. Enjoy the outstanding thrill of looking down on the city of Shinsekai.

In recent years, attractions with a great impact have become the talk of the town. One of the most popular is the "Tower Slider," a 60-meter-long slide from 22 meters above ground to the first basement floor, all at once. Another key point is that videos of the start and finish can be downloaded free of charge.
For those who want to enjoy more thrills, experience the "Dive & Walk," a two-part attraction consisting of a "Walk," an athletic experience about 26 meters above the ground, and a "Dive," in which visitors jump down about 14 meters from the middle of the tower.

Local Guide Comment
At the stores on the 2nd floor and the basement floor, you can purchase souvenirs unique to Osaka with Tsutenkaku Tower and Mr. Billiken as motifs. Also, don't miss the lights that change color each season.
Tsutenkaku
  • address (e.g. of house) 1-18-6, Emisu-higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka MAP
  • Direction 3 min. walk from Osaka Metro Ebisucho Stn.
  • Hours of Operation 10:00 - 20:00 (last admission 19:30) *Attraction hours vary.
  • Admission Fee Adults (15 and older): 1,200 yen, Children (5-14): 600 yen
    Tower Slider (1 time)¥1,000 for adults (15-65), ¥500 for children (7-14)
    Dive & Walk (one time): Adults (15-65) 3,000 yen, Children (9-14) 2,000 yen
  • TEL 06-6641-9555
  • Memo Attractions have height and weight restrictions. Please check the website for details.

An oasis where you can meet many animals in the heart of Osaka

The powerful
The powerful "African Savanna" area, where you can see giraffes and lions

Opened in 1915, the historic zoo celebrates its 110th anniversary on January 1, 2025. The approximately 11-hectare park is home to 1,000 animals of about 170 species, allowing visitors to see a wide variety of animals even in the heart of the city.
One of the highlights of the park is the "ecological exhibition," in which animals are shown in their natural habitat by recreating the landscape of their habitat as much as possible, including the "Penguin Park & Sea Lion Wharf," which opened in April 2023, the "Eiffer" reptile house, and the "African Savanna Zone" where giraffes and lions live. The format has been adopted in the following areas.

Many events where you can observe more realistic ecology

The red pandas look so adorable as they sleep happily.
The red pandas look so adorable as they sleep happily.

There are also a variety of exciting activities, such as "meal time and snack time," where you can watch the animals as they eat their food, and events where you can observe the animals with a staff/staff member in charge of guiding you. The "Night ZOO," which allows visitors to see animals at night, is also recommended; it is held only on limited dates in August and September, so please check the website if you are interested.

Local Guide Comment
The "Night ZOO" event is one of my personal favorites. The fantastically lit up park provides a different atmosphere than during the daytime, giving it an extraordinary feeling. It is also perfect for a date.
Photo courtesy of Tennoji Zoo
Photo courtesy of Tennoji Zoo
Tennoji Zoo
  • Address 1-108 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka MAP
  • Direction 5-10 min. walk from Osaka Metro Dobutsuenmae Sta.
  • Business Hours 9:30-17:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays in May and September: ~18:00 (admission until 1 hour before closing)
  • Closed Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday, closed the following day), year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 - January 1)
    Please check the business calendar for temporary opening days.
  • Admission Fee Adults 500 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 200 yen (Free for elementary and junior high school students in Osaka)
  • TEL 06-6771-8401
  • Parking None
  • Memo Please check the website for "meal times and snack times.

The only smart ball playground in Osaka

The interior of the museum makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time to the Showa period (1926-1989).
The interior of the museum makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time to the Showa period (1926-1989).

The amusement center is located near Tsutenkaku, the symbol of Shinsekai. You can experience "Smart Ball," a traditional pachinko ball game, and it is loved by tourists and locals alike as a Shinsekai specialty along with Tsutenkaku Tower and kushikatsu.
More than 50 Smartball machines are lined up in the Showa-style store. In the past, Smartball used to be a staple of the fairgrounds, and there used to be many amusement arcades, but now it has become a very rare spot.

Enjoy the game while immersing yourself in a nostalgic atmosphere.

The color scheme of the machines and the clear balls are somewhat retro and cute.
The color scheme of the machines and the clear balls are somewhat retro and cute.

The "Smartball" is a game in which small balls are sent out by a spring onto a board with nails and holes, and placed in the winning holes to increase the number of balls you have. 100 yen per game is all you need to play, and you can exchange the number of balls you receive for prizes such as candy. The rules are so simple that even beginners can easily try the game and find themselves hooked.
It is open until 22:00, so many locals stop by between drinks or to finish up after a night of drinking. After experiencing the games, it is recommended to take pictures of the retro space and exterior.

Local Guide Comment
The simplicity of this old-fashioned game makes it addictive. Enjoy it in a space full of retro Showa-era atmosphere.
Smart Ball New Star
  • address (e.g. of house) 3-5-19, Ebisu-higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka MAP
  • Direction 5 min. walk from Osaka Metro Dobutsuenmae Sta.
  • Hours of Operation 11:30-22:00, Sat.
  • Regular holiday 6 times a month, irregular
  • Admission Fee 100 yen per visit
  • TEL 06-6641-1164
  • Parking None
  • Memo No one under 18 years old is allowed to enter.

A realistic atmosphere. Yose hut featuring Kamigata Rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling)

The seats are well placed, making it easy to see even from the back.
The seats are well placed, making it easy to see even from the back.

Located near the entrance to "Janjan Yokocho," an arcade street known as a tourist spot, the Yosegoya is easily Directioned from Shin-Imamiya and Zoological Gardens Stations. The theater was created by Zakoba Katsura, who also serves as a seitei (a Japanese traditional comedian), in the hope that people will enjoy rakugo in a casual manner.
Although it is a cozy hut with a capacity of about 100 people, it is characterized by its close proximity to the performers, which allows you to experience their breathing, eye contact, and even the movement of their eyebrows up close. You can enjoy a sense of realism that only a live performance can provide.

First-timers should definitely try the "Dorakutei Noon Seats," which can be seen without reservations.

The close proximity to the performers makes for a very powerful show.
The close proximity to the performers makes for a very powerful show.

Recommended for beginners and tourists is the "Dorakutei Noon Seating" held from 2:00 p.m. on the 1st through the 20th of each month. There is no need to buy tickets in advance or make reservations, so you can drop in on a whim depending on your mood. The musical accompaniment is live, and the sounds of shamisen and taiko drums add to the excitement of the rakugo performance. The lively background music called "hamemono," which is played in the middle of the story, is also a characteristic of Kamigata rakugo.
After the 21st of each month, various performances such as Rakugo, Nankyoku, and Kodan (storytelling) are held day and night. Why not experience traditional performing arts in a casual, relaxed atmosphere?

Local Guide Comment
You may feel uncomfortable when you hear the word "rakugo," but it is a part of the comedy culture that is becoming increasingly popular among young people these days. Please feel free to drop by during your visit to Shinsekai.
Dorakutei
  • Address 1-17-6 Nishinari-ku, Osaka City, Osaka MAP
  • Direction 3 min. walk from Osaka Metro Dobutsuenmae Sta.
  • Business hours Varies depending on the performance. Check official website for details.
  • Closed Depends on the performance.
  • Admission Fee Varies depending on the performance.
  • TEL 06-6365-8281 (in Yonecho Office Co., Ltd.) *Inquiries: weekdays 10:00-18:00
  • Parking None

A power spot in town dedicated to the god of happiness

The bright red torii gate is an eye-catching landmark in the city.
The bright red torii gate is an eye-catching landmark in the city.

Billiken-san is known as Osaka's mascot, bringing good luck and prosperity with his charming appearance. He first appeared in Shinsekai in 1912 and was displayed in "Billikendo" at Luna Park, an amusement park that opened at the same time as Tsutenkaku Tower. Later, it was lost with the closing of the amusement park, but in 2012, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Shinsekai, Billiken-san was newly created and enshrined at the "Billiken Shrine. It sits quietly in a corner of a shopping street lined with kushikatsu restaurants.

Gently stroke the soles of your feet while making a wish!

Billiken Shrine was built on the site where
Billiken Shrine was built on the site where "Billikendo" is said to have once stood.

Although there are various theories, it is said to have its roots in the god of happiness who appeared in the dream of American-born artist Florence Pritts in 1908, and that stroking the sole of the statue's foot is said to bring good luck. The words "THINGS-AS-THEY" inscribed on the feet mean to love and appreciate things as they are.
It is now one of the most famous landmarks along with Billiken-san at Tsutenkaku. Even today, many people come to stroke the soles of their feet while praying for prosperous business, success in school, and romantic fulfillment. It is also a popular photo spot.

Local Guide Comment
Yokozuna Tsutenkaku is located next to a shrine, so it is recommended to taste delicious kushikatsu while visiting the shrine.
Billiken Shrine
  • address (e.g. of house) 3-6-1, Emisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka MAP
  • Direction 3 min. walk from Osaka Metro Dobutsuenmae Sta.
  • Hours of Operation 10:00-22:00

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.